For sale is a very old Besson Eb tuba. Serial number points to the late 1870s or early 1880s. It was overhauled at one point, buffed and lacquered, and the valves replated. It was likely overhauled a while ago because the lacquer is starting to show signs of checking/crazing and flaking, and there are some spots of lacquer failure. The brass is also very thin which makes this an extremely lightweight tuba, weighing in at just around 7 or 8 pounds.
Intonation is fine, all slides move, minimal dents and dings. A Conn receiver has been fit at one point so it accepts American shank mouthpieces. I refit some of the existing patches on the third valve slide.
Not perfect and somewhat fragile, but plenty of tuba for $250 and an interesting and usable historic instrument.. No case or bag. I can also ship this tuba but would prefer local pickup in CT. Pardon the pics of my dirty workshop floor.
PM me or email beanhillbrass at gmail. Thanks!
